We have regular discussions with the National Police Chiefs’ Council on the issue of synthetic cannabinoids and we recognise how dangerous they can be and the devastating impact that they can have on communities, families and the individuals taking them.

That is why we acted to control these substances as class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in 2016, to give the police the powers they need to take action, including making possession illegal and delivering longer sentences for dealers.